The night was draped in darkness as Shaheera paced back and forth in her living room, phone pressed to her ear. On the other end of the line was Jasra, who had managed to forget her keys once again. 542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvjoroH9m2
"Jasra, seriously? Again? How many times will I have to do this?" Shaheera sighed, trying to suppress her annoyance.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfR476aE70
"Yeah, I know, I'm hopeless! No need to say it again, I need you to come or you can just wait until I finish my shift and open the door." Jasra replied with a sheepish laugh. "But hey, you're my savior, remember? My knight in shining armor!"542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEoR7Q4CLt
"Jasra, you end your shift at 5 Am.” 542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqgILUjZBS
“One more reason to come.”542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxF2KPYbJo
“Ugh, fine. I'll come and get your keys, but you owe me one, okay?"542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNY2OrGLZ0K
"Deal! You're the best, Shaheera!"542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWIhm3alu3
As she hung up the phone, she couldn't help but chuckle. Despite the playful bickering, she knew that she would always be there for Jasra, just as Jasra would be there for her. Shaheera grabbed her car keys and made her way outside. The hospital where Jasra worked was a short drive away, but as she attempted to park her car in the dimly lit parking lot, she found herself struggling with the task.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJG4eSGDfH2
"Come on, Shaheera, you've parked a car a million times before," she mumbled to herself, frustration evident in her voice.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5M6Pv3hspj
After a few unsuccessful attempts, Shaheera abandoned the parking spot in exasperation. It was a good thing the lot was mostly empty at this late hour, sparing her from embarrassment. As she stepped out of her car, grumbling under her breath, a figure emerged from the shadows, causing her heart to leap in surprise. It was Hasan.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH934mRWliP
“Dear God, you scared the shit out of me,” she said a hand on her heart. 542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYV43QIMZj
"Shaheera, is that you? Are you alright?" Hasan asked, his voice tinged with concern. But he rapidly smiled, seeing how scared she had been. Her heart skipped a bit. His face looked like he wasn’t used to smiling much. 542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXuRlSWpj6
Shaheera's heart rate slowed as she recognized the familiar voice. “Yeah, I'm fine. Just having some trouble with my parking skills tonight, it seems."542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgyW64jS2U
Hasan chuckled again softly. "It happens to the best of us. You should have seen me during my first few driving lessons."542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6IeqtGH1i
Shaheera smiled, feeling more at ease in his presence. "Thanks for the reassurance, but I’ve been driving for over five years now. I was starting to think my car had a personal vendetta against me. But let’s be honest I’m just a horrible driver."542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8dBJ46MC4
"You know, I was about to offer my parking services, but it seems you've got it all figured out," Hasan teased, playfully raising an eyebrow.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVnve50pna
"Ha, very funny," Shaheera retorted with a grin. "Well, since you're here, would you mind doing me a favor?"542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsKAWaLmuU
Hasan tilted his head, curious. "Of course, what can I do for you?"542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjOMn1LCXx
"My dear friend Jasra managed to forget her keys at home again. I was on my way to get them when the parking lot decided to challenge me. Could you please give it to her me?" she asked, hoping he wouldn't mind the small errand.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qTEiDsOeD
Hasan nodded with a warm smile. "Sure, I can do that. Consider it done."542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVDJa68LY4
"Thank you, Hasan. You're a lifesaver!" Shaheera said gratefully.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1yOiJPB5A
As they stood there, a comfortable silence enveloped them. Shaheera couldn't help but feel a sense of ease around Hasan as if she could be herself without any pretense. Shaheera wanted to ask him why he suddenly stopped messaging her. Did she do something? Had she said something? 542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KOjSNgJ55
"So, how are you finding the preparations for the conference?" Hasan asked, breaking the silence. So he’s the one starting the subject, she thought.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6x2gfPgOM
"Oh, it's been a whirlwind, but I'm excited. I can't wait to meet everyone and see how everything comes together," she replied, her excitement evident in her voice.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHu9K0Uy6T
Hasan nodded. "I'm looking forward to it too. It's been a while since I attended a conference, and this one seems particularly promising."542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRM01awLcZM
Shaheera smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie with Hasan. "It'll be a great event, I'm sure. And... well, I'm looking forward to meeting you too, in person."542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1TdQzBYfQ
Their eyes locked for a moment, and Shaheera could feel the connection between them deepen. But as quickly as the moment came, she felt a tinge of self-consciousness. They had just met, and she didn't want to let things get too comfortable or familiar.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJe0H0Kjwnu
With a hint of shyness, she spoke up. "I should probably get going. Thanks again for helping me with the keys, Hasan."542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnNhLeE2W0
"It was my pleasure," Hasan replied warmly. "I'll make sure Jasra gets them safe and sound. See you at the conference."542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzu3cIxmVrM
"See you then," Shaheera replied, offering him a small wave before turning to leave.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzB6mu9Mra4
As she walked away, her heart felt both light and heavy. She was drawn to Hasan's warmth and kindness, and yet, she knew that she had to be cautious. This wasn’t the type of love she needed. The one to give you goosebumps and chills. She needed love like what she shared with Mark. Something peaceful. Like a … Friendship?542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbFsgJCn7m
***542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3G3CfoOkD0
The hospital was abuzz with activity as Hasan continued his shift, attending to patients and carrying out his responsibilities as a radiologist. Despite the busy environment, his mind kept drifting back to the encounter with Shaheera earlier that evening.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JCsA1PNBu
He couldn't help but replay their conversations in his mind, the way they had laughed together and the ease with which they had connected. He found himself captivated by her warm, expressive eyes and the way her smile seemed to light up the room. She had worn a simple blue abaya, proof she didn’t plan to leave the house. the color looked exquisite on her light skin tone. 542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6AuilZGQp
But alongside the excitement, a nagging feeling of guilt crept into his heart. Hasan was a devout Muslim, and he knew that he should be cautious with his emotions, especially when it came to interactions with women. While he had never been one to engage in casual flirtations or meaningless relationships, there was something different about Shaheera that stirred feelings he had not experienced before.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsASzft41B
As he continued with his duties, Hasan tried to focus on the tasks at hand, pushing the thoughts of Shaheera to the back of his mind. He attended to his patients with professionalism and dedication that had earned him respect among his colleagues. He was known for being serious and composed, and he didn't want anyone to suspect the turmoil he was feeling within.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpInaBhhNeT
But as the night wore on, he found it increasingly difficult to push Shaheera from his thoughts. He recalled their email exchange, the way they had exchanged pleasantries and succeeded to keep a casual tone. Despite the professional nature of their communication, he couldn't ignore the underlying current of connection and camaraderie.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxuGTkvAsO
Hasan couldn't deny the longing he felt to speak to her again, to hear her voice and share their thoughts and experiences. But he also knew that he had to be careful, maintain a respectful distance, and uphold the boundaries prescribed by his faith.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3dacqrUgF
As he made his rounds through the hospital, he spotted Jasra in the hallway, deep in conversation with a colleague. He hesitated for a moment but the sight of Jasra reminded him of the favor he had done for Shaheera—to return her keys.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0j5adQNMx
Summoning up the courage, Hasan walked over to Jasra, who looked up and raised an eyebrow in surprise. "What do you want now, Hasan?"542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wqaYCkejd
"I found your friend in the parking lot earlier. She asked me to give you this." Hasan replied, holding up the keychain.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hGWZmc8lP
Jasra snatched the keys from his hand, her expression still skeptical. "And why would you bother returning them? Are you trying to score some points with her or something?"542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKEwn898xU
Hasan chuckled, feeling a tinge of annoyance at Jasra's accusation. "No, it's simply the right thing to do."542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BDC5mwC3G
Jasra rolled her eyes, not bothering to argue further. "Whatever. Thanks for returning them, I guess."542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCy5MNF0li
"You're welcome," Hasan replied, trying to keep the conversation civil.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8O0Qb2k0x
But as they continued talking, Jasra couldn't resist taking a playful jab at him. "You know, Hasan, Shaheera is quite the catch. Wedding is ready to be announced. Her husband is going to be a lucky man."542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgGscfdTVg
Hasan's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Shaheera finding a husband. For a moment, he let himself believe Jasra's teasing remark, imagining what it would be like to be the one by Shaheera's side. But he quickly brushed aside the thought, knowing that it was just a joke and that he couldn't let himself entertain such fantasies.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84LiE9qcJ5
He managed a small nod, hiding the emotions that threatened to surface. "Well, she certainly deserves someone who appreciates her for who she is."542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUHuvlk0MS
Jasra nodded, her expression softening. "You're right about that."542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirTASIEVE3
Hasan agreed, “Hmm,"542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAzp1GQdAL
As they parted ways, Hasan couldn't help but feel a sense of turmoil inside him. He knew that he had to be careful, to guard his heart and keep his feelings in check. Shaheera deserved someone who would cherish and respect her, and he wanted to be that person. But it looked like she was already taken and preparing for her wedding. 542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXCzCc3pMM
He would keep his emotions to himself, content with the connection they had found. He knew that he had to let fate take its course and trust that the journey they were on would lead to the right destination. 542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2W1E7ZlAuh
And so, with a heart filled with both uncertainty and hope, Hasan continued with his shift, carrying with him the memory of Shaheera's smile and the feeling of warmth that had blossomed in his heart.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSUJr7vCPc
Later that night, near Fajr hour, as Hasan arrived home, he sat in his quiet apartment, contemplating the feelings that had been awakened within him. He remembered the feeling of excitement when he saw her name in his email inbox, the warmth in his heart when he read her messages, and the desire to know more about her.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcxyTAsXL4
But amid these emotions, a sense of guilt washed over him. He questioned himself, wondering if his feelings were appropriate or if he was crossing a line as a Muslim man. Now more than ever that he knew she was promised to another.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgkBSyk3u3
"Ya Allah, guide me on this path," he whispered in earnest prayer, seeking clarity and guidance.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFaQRbJnvV
He reminded himself of the principles of his faith—to be modest, to guard his heart, and to treat women with respect and dignity. He knew that he couldn't let his emotions cloud his judgment or lead him astray.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcul8oT8ZN6
As he reflected on Shaheera, he couldn't help but wonder about the significance of their encounter. Maybe they were brought together for a reason, he thought. Perhaps they were meant to learn from each other, to grow, and to discover new dimensions of themselves.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQUZmzzTFh
Hasan decided to focus on the present, cherish the moments they had shared so far, and trust that fate would guide him in the right direction. He knew that he had to keep their interactions respectful and appropriate, just as he had been taught.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZrBrZKrh5
As he settled into bed that night, Hasan prayed once again, seeking strength and wisdom. The day after Hasan's encounter with Jasra and the news about Shaheera being engaged, he decided it was best to forget about her. Out of respect for her and her future husband, he couldn't let himself dwell on the feelings that had been stirred within him. He needed to move forward, focusing on his own life and the possibilities that lay ahead.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vZQ1QVx8e
Determined to take the first step in this new direction, Hasan went to his mother a few days after, who had arranged a Rishta with a woman she found interesting for him. His mother was hopeful, and her excitement was palpable as she introduced Hasan to the woman, Miriam.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWS8abS3Oay
Miriam was a kind and pleasant woman, and Hasan did his best to engage in the conversation. However, as they continued to talk, he couldn't help but find his thoughts drifting back to Shaheera. He compared Miriam to her in his mind, unintentionally setting an unfair standard. As much as he tried to be present, his heart wasn't fully in it. Which didn’t make any sense. He barely knew Shaheera if he was totally honest.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSbiSYXlzL
Samira, Hasan's sister, joined the gathering, her bright eyes reflecting amusement as she noticed her brother's subtle lack of interest. After their mother had excused herself to retire for the night, Samira playfully raised an eyebrow at Hasan.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiEltFT8Qb
"Well, brother, how was your date?" Samira asked, unable to contain her curiosity.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzf4cLnJjMu
Hasan chuckled, realizing that he couldn't hide his true feelings from his sister. "It was fine, Samira. Miriam seems like a nice person."542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXSIHTnqgQ
Samira smiled mischievously, sensing her brother's conflicted emotions. "Nice? Just nice? I thought you were going to tell us you found your soulmate!"542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXikRiBzYBE
Hasan’s stoic face relaxed a little, appreciating his sister's lighthearted approach to the situation. "It's just that... well, I thought I was ready to … But looks like I’m still not prepared."542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcu1C2MtUd
"It’s fine, you’ll find someone sooner or later," Samira said, her eyes sparkling with intrigue.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ixPnUPY7i
Hasan nodded, feeling a mixture of fondness and resignation. "If you say so."542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLAPlolmo3
Samira leaned back, crossing her arms with a knowing smile. "To be honest, I have some spies working for me, and … I know something."542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobqm2aBRhP
“You know something? Could you please be more precise?”542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdy00COB8Q
“Someone I know, and YOU know, I’ve been sharing some information with me. About a girl. I heard she was kind and passionate about her work. Also that-”542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KTI0101Yg
“Wait! Did Yaasib say something?” 542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjahQJRBL1
Samira kept silent, her smile growing as Hasan stood up. “I’m going to kill him.”542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwtWeaBeFE
Samira took him by the arm and made him sit again. “It’s fine, I’m happy he told me about her, or I would have never known.”542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRGKWcNeHL
“Yes because I would never tell you.”542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVk8QDfqiUp
Silent fell on them. Hasan hesitated for a moment, unsure if he should share his feelings with his sister. But he knew that Samira was someone he could trust and confide in. "She's … hmm … beautiful. We had easy and casual conversations. But I felt a connection with her. Well, a start of something."542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUVgE2CUQX
Samira nodded thoughtfully. "It sounds like she left quite an impression on you."542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIaEiw4phH
"She did," Hasan admitted, his voice tinged with sadness. "But I know I must let her go. I learned she was promised to someone. I can't hold onto this hope when she's not meant for me."542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Fb9lczZdL
Samira placed a comforting hand on her brother's shoulder. "You're right, Hasan. Sometimes, we meet people who leave a lasting impact on us, but that doesn't always mean they are meant to stay in our lives. Trust in Allah's plan, and He will guide you to the right person."542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnc8p2zcD7
Hasan looked at her from the side. “When did you start saying deep stuff?” 542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9j8n7Sijv1
“What can I say? I grow up more day after day.”542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtgmLcKIWI
“You’re already thirty-five,” Hasan said with frowned eyebrows. "Thank you, Samira. Your support means a lot to me." he finally declared.542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGscNqCRo4G
The following days were filled with a renewed sense of purpose for Hasan. He threw himself into his work, focusing on his patients and dedicating extra time to research and professional development. He immersed himself in his duties, using his career as a means to distract his mind from the lingering thoughts of Shaheera.
542Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrMceCVkcG
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